Winning Return To The Ring For Jamaica’s ‘Axeman’
Jamaica’s former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion, Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters, ended his semi-retirement of over six years with a dominant points victory over Colombian Luis Diaz Marmol in Santa Marta, Colombia on Saturday night.
In the main event of the evening, Walters returned to the ring 14 pounds heavier than his featherweight title-winning division and secured an unanimous decision over Marmol, the local favorite, in the eight-round super lightweight (140-pound) fight.
The official scorecard showed that the 37-year-old from Montego Bay won 80-72 and 78-74 twice.
Fightnews reported that Marmol was a worthy opponent but Walters’ experience and skill made the difference. The Panama-based Jamaican seemed unaffected by his time away from the ring and was in full control throughout the match.
Walters now has a record of 27 wins (21 KOs), one loss, and one draw, while Marmol’s record has fallen to 19 wins (11 KOs) and 17 losses.
Walters stated that several trainers in Panama encouraged him to return to the ring. He had been visiting the gym to stay in shape but was not serious about fighting until experts around the gym urged him to end his retirement.
Walters made history in December 2012 when he became the first Jamaican to win a world boxing title at home by defeating Colombian Daulis Prescott for the WBA’s 126-pound belt at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.
His last fight was on November 20, 2016, when he was defeated by Ukrainian Vasiliy Lomachenko after seven rounds in Nevada, USA.
Walters turned professional in 2008 after an amateur career that included a bronze medal at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and two gold medals at the Caribbean Championships in 2005 and 2006.
He became one of the world’s most exciting fighters in the lower weight divisions in just a few years by defeating notable fighters such as Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan.
Download The Jamaican Blogs™ App for your Android device: HERE
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]